Diaminopyrazoles

ABSTRACT

This invention concerns the treatment of smooth muscle spasticity or excess muscle contraction such as urge urinary incontinence with a compound of the formula  
                 
 
     wherein:  
     R 1  and R 2  are independently straight chain alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, branched alkyl of 3 to 6 carbons atoms, or cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbons atoms where R 2  may be substituted by F, Cl, Br, I, OH, NH 2 , cyano, C 1 -C 6  alkoxy, C 1 -C 6 alkylthio, COOH or COOC 1 -C 6  alkyl;  
     R 3  is an aryl or heteroaryl as defined herein, optionally substituted with 0 to 4 groups selected independently from C 1 -C 6  alkyl, C 1 -C 6  alkoxy, cyano, F, Cl, Br, C 1 -C 6  alkylthio, CO 2 R 1 , CONH 2 , OH, NH 2 , and NO 2 ;  
     n is 0 or 1;  
     R 4  is a straight chain alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbons atoms, a branched alkyl of 3 to 10 carbons, or a cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbons;  
     and all crystalline forms and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/099,348, filed Jun. 8, 1998.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention concerns 4,5-diamino derivatives of (1H)-pyrazoles and their use in the treatment of disorders associated with smooth muscle contraction. Such disorders include, but are not limited to, urinary incontinence, hypertension, asthma, premature labor, irritable bowel syndrome, congestive heart failure, angina, and cerebral vascular disease.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Urge urinary incontinence, the abnormal spontaneous contraction of the bladder detrusor muscle leading to a sense of urinary urgency and involuntary urine loss is currently a condition where there exists an unmet medical need (Primeau et al., Current Pharmaceutical Design, 1995, I, 391). The current treatments for this condition are the use of anticholinergics and anticholinergic/antispasmodics which have the limitations of CNS related side effects and low efficacy which leads to poor patient compliance. Hyperpolarization of bladder smooth muscle leading to the relaxation of detrusor muscle contractions may represent a novel therapeutic approach to urge urinary incontinence.

[0004] Few examples of simple 4,5-diaminopyrazoles have appeared in the chemical or patent literature. Moderhack describes the synthesis of several 4,5-diaminopyrazoles aLs intermediates towards the synthesis of 1,2,4-triazoles (Liebigs Ann. 1996, 777-9). Lewis et al. describe the synthesis of various 4,5-diaminopyrazoles (J. Heterocyclic Chem. 1983, 20, 1501-3).

[0005] The synthetic procedure used to make the diaminopyrazoles reported in this invention record is based on the procedure of Vicentini et al. (Tetrahedron 1990, 46, 5771-88 and Tetrahedron Lett. 1988, 29, 6171-2) which outlines the synthesis of 4-nitroso-5-aminopyrazoles as intermediates in the synthesis of imidazole[4,5-c]pyrazoles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention discloses compounds represented by the formula (I):

[0007] wherein:

[0008] R¹ and R² are independently straight chain alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, branched alkyl of 3 to 6 carbons atoms, or cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbons atoms where R² may be optionally substituted by F, Cl, Br, I, OH, NH₂, cyano, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, COOH or COOC₁-C₆ alkyl;

[0009] R³ is an aryl or heteroaryl, optionally substituted with 1 to 4 groups selected independently from straight chain C₁-C₆ alkyl, branched aLkyl of 3 to 6 carbons, or a cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbons; C₁-C₆ alkoxy, cyano, F, Cl, Br, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, CO₂R¹, CONH₂, OH, NH₂, and NO₂; wherein aryl is phenyl, naphthalene, anthracene or phenanthrene and heteroaryl is furan, thiophene, pyrrole, imidazole, oxazole, thiazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, isothiazole, oxadiazole, triazole, thiadiazole, quinolizine, quinoline, isoquinoline, cinnoline, phthalazine, quinazoline, quinoxaline, naphthyridine, pterine, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimnidine, pyridazine, pyran and triazine;

[0010] n is 0 or 1;

[0011] R⁴ is a straight chain alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbons atoms, a branched alkyl of 3 to 10 carbons, a cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbons, all of which may be optionally substituted by one or more F or Cl atoms; and all crystalline forms, enantiomers, diastereomers, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

[0012] It is understood that the definition of the compounds of formula (I), when R¹, R², R³, or R⁴, contain asymmetric carbons, encompass all possible stereoisomers and mixtures thereof which possess the activity discussed below. In particular, it encompasses racemic modifications and any optical isomers which possess the indicated activity. Optical isomers may be obtained in pure form by standard separation techniques. It is also understood that solid invention compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may exist in more than one crystalline form. The form obtained may be dependent upon the crystallization or recyrstallization solvent or solvent mixture, the rate of heating and/or cooling, drying conditions, and other variables. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts are those derived from such organic and inorganic acids as: lactic, citric, acetic, tartaric, succinic, maleic, malonic, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, phosphoric, nitric, sulfuric, methanesulfonic, and similarly known acceptable acids. Where R² or R³ contains a carboxyl group, salts of the compounds of this invention may be formed with bases such as alkali metals (Na, K, Li) or the alkaline earth metals (Ca or Mg).

[0013] The compounds of formula (I) have been found to relax smooth muscle. They are therefore useful in the treatment of disorders associated with smooth muscle contraction, disorders involving excessive smooth muscle contraction of the urinary tract (such as incontinence), or of the gastro-intestinal tract (such as irritable bowel syndrome), asthma, and hair loss. Furthermore, the compounds of formula (I) relax bladder smooth muscle precontracted with KCl and thus are active as potassium channel activators which render them useful for treatment of peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure, stroke, anxiety, cerebral anoxia and other neurodegenerative disorders (J. R. Empfield and Keith Russell, “Potassium Channel Openers,” Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry (1995).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I). More particularly, the compounds of formula (I) where n is I may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (II):

[0015] with a compound of formula (III):

[0016] where R³ is an aryl or a heteroaryl moiety optionally substituted with 1 to 4 groups as defined previously, in a solvent such as benzene or toluene in the presence of molecular sieves at room temperature, followed by treatment with hydrogen under a pressure of 1 atmosphere in the presence of Pd/BaSO₄ at room temperature, in a polar solvent such as ethyl acetate.

[0017] Reaction of compound of formula (II) with a compound of formula (IV):

R³—Br (IV)

[0018] where R³ is an aryl or heteroaryl moiety as defined previously, in a solvent such as benzene or toluene in the presence of Pd₂dba₃, P(o-tolyl)₃, and NaOt-Bu at 100° C. gives a formula (I) compound where n is 0. The compounds of formula II are prepared by procedures based on the procedure reported by Vicentini et al., Tetrahedron 1990, 46, 5777-5788 and Tetrahedron Lett. 1988, 29, 6171-6172 as given in steps 1-4 in Example 1.

[0019] The following examples are included for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting to this disclosure in any way. The chemicals and intermediates are either commercially available or readily prepared according to standard literature procedures. Still other methods of preparation of invention compounds may be apparent to those skilled in the art of organic synthesis.

EXAMPLE 1

[0020] N(3)-(2,2-Dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-N(4)-pyridin-4-ylmethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

Step 1

[0021] N-(2,5-Dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-propionamide

[0022] To 15.0 g (131 mmol) N-(2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-amine in 150 mL pyridine at 0° C. was added 19.3 mL (18.9 g, 158 mmol) of pivaloyl chloride. After stirring at 23° C. for 3.5 hours, the reaction solvent was evaporated, and the residue was evaporated with 2×200 mL toluene. The remaining solid was dissolved in 500 mL EtOAc/200 mL H₂O and extracted. The aqueous layer was extracted with 2×100 mnL EtOAc, and the combined organics were washed with 1×200 mL brine, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated to an orange solid. Recrystallization from hot hexanes/EtOAc gave 24.45 g (125 mmol, a 96% yield) of the title compound as an off-white, crystalline solid: mp: 86-88° C.; ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.32 (s, 9H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 3.63 (s, 3H), 5.98 (s, 1H), 7.12 (brs, 1H); IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3316s, 3274s, 2967m, 2935m, 1673s, 1655m, 1570s, 1514m, 1492m, 1457m; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): (196, M⁺, 100).

[0023] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₀H₁₇N₃O: C, 61.51; H, 8.77; N, 21.52.

[0024] Found: C, 61.33; H, 8.80; N, 21.23.

Step 2

[0025] (2,2-Dimethyl-propyl)-(2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-amine

[0026] To 4.7 g (123 mmol) of LiAlH₄ in 150 mL of THF at 0° C. was added a solution of 12.0 g (61.45 mmol) of N-(2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-propionamide and 100 mL THF in drops over 60 min. After addition is complete, the reaction mixture was heated to 67° C. for 42 h. After cooling to 23° C., 5 mL H₂O was carefully added, followed by 5 mL 5N NaOH and 5 mL H₂O. The resulting mixture was filtered through Celite, evaporated to a yellow oil, dissolved in 300 mL EtOAc, washed with 1×100 mL brine, 1×100 mL H₂O, 1×100 mL brine, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated to give 9.45 g (52.1 mmol, an 85% yield) of the title compound as a light yellow oil. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.98 (s, 9H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 2.81 (m, 2H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 5.24 (s, 1H); IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3261m, 2956m, 2866m, 1568s, 1476m, 1367m, 1362m, 1267m, 1200m, 729m; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 182 (M⁺+H, 100).

[0027] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₀H₁₉N₃: C, 66.26; H, 10.56; N, 23.18.

[0028] Found: C, 64.75; H, 10.23; N, 24.67.

Step 3

[0029] (2,5-Dimethyl-4-nitroso-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-amine

[0030] To a 0° C. solution of 8.43 g (46.5 mmol) of (2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-(2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-amine and 150 mL EtOH was added 20 mL of 10-20% EtONO/EtOH. After stirring at 23° C. for 17 h, and 21 h, 20 mL portions of 10-20% EtONO/EtOH were added. After a total of 42 h, the reaction mixture was evaporated to a purple oil. Flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (8/1 to 4/1 to 2/1), gave a purple solid. Recrystallization from hot hexanes/EtOAc gave 4.04 g (19.2 mmol, a 41% yield) of the title compound as a violet crystalline solid. mp: 83-84° C.; ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.02 (s, 9H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 3.24 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 10.23 (brs, 1H); IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3428w, 3058w, 2963m, 2872w, 1633s, 1550m, 1479w, 1428w, 1222brm, 1134m, 971m; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 211 (M⁺+H, 100).

[0031] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₀H₁₈N₄O: C, 57.12; H, 8.63; N, 26.64.

[0032] Found: C, 57.18; H, 8.83; N, 26.69.

Step 4

[0033] N(3)-(2,2-Dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0034] (2,5-Dimethyl-4-nitroso-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-amine (3.44 g, 16.36 mmol), 400 mg of 10% Pd/C and 60 mL EtOAc were placed under a balloon of H₂ and stirred at 23° C. After 4 h, the reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and evaporated to an orange oil. Flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with CHCl₃/MeOH (20/1), gave a yellow solid. Recrystallization from hot hexanes/EtOAc gave 2.86 g (14.57 mmol, an 89% yield) of the tidle compound as an off-white crystalline solid. mp: 65-69° C.; ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 1.00 (s, 9H), 1.65 (brs, 2H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 2.77 (brs, 2H), 2.89 (brs, 1H), 3.62 (s, 3H); IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3347-3204brs, 2952s, 2903w, 1599m, 1528m, 1495m, 1477m, 1378m, 1316m; MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 197 (M⁺+H, 100).

[0035] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₀H₂₀N₄: C, 61.19; H, 10.27; N, 28.54.

[0036] Found: C, 56.19; H, 10.56; N, 26.37

Step 5

[0037] N(3)-(2,2-Dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-N(4)-pyridin-4-ylmethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0038] To 400 mg (2.03 mmol) of N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine and 15 mL toluene was added 0.23 mL (261 mg, 2.44 mmol) of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, 500 mg of powdered 4 Å molecular sieves and 1 crystal of p-TsOH.H₂O. After stirring at room temperature for 14 h, TLC indicated that the starting amine (R_(f)=0.40 (10/1 CHCl₃/MeOH)) had been converted to the inline (R_(f)=0.50 (10/1 CHCl₃/MeOH). The mixture was filtered through Celite and evaporated to give a yellow oil.

[0039] To this oil was added 20 mL EtOAc, 300 mg 5% Pd/BaSO₄ and 1 drop of quinoline. This mixture was placed under a balloon of H₂, and stirred at room temperature. After 24 h, 200 mg of 5% Pd/BaSO₄ was added and the reaction mixture was again stirred under a balloon of H₂ at room temperature. After a total of 30 h, TLC indicated that practically all of the starting imine (R_(f)=0.50 (10/1 CHCl₃/MeOH) had been converted to the corresponding amine (R_(f)=0.35 (10/1 CHCl₃/MeOH). The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and evaporated to an orange oil. Flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with CHCl₃/MeOH (40/1 to 20/1 to 10/1), gave a yellow solid. Recrystallization from hot hexanes/Et₂O gave 315 mg (1.10 mmol, a 54% yield) of the title compound as a yellow crystalline solid. mp: 88-90° C., ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.94 (s, 9H), 1.70 (brs, 1H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 2.61 (brd, 2H), 2.81-2.90 (brn, 1H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 4.00 (s, 2H), 7.26-7.33 (m, 2H), 8.53-8.60 (m, 2H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3254s, 3047w, 2954rn, 2865w, 1604w, 1567m, 1417m, 1389w, MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 288 (M⁺+H, 70).

[0040] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₆H₂₅N₅: C, 66.87; H, 8.77; N, 24.37.

[0041] Found: C, 66.74; H, 8.73; N, 24.20.

EXAMPLE 2

[0042] 4-{[5-(2,2-Dimethyl-propylamino)-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-ylamino]-methyl}-benzonitrile

[0043] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure for Example 1, Step 5 except that 4-cyanobenzaldehyde was used in place of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde and tie final product was isolated as the tosylate salt, prepared by stirring the product with 1 equiv. of p-TsOH.H₂O in 15 mL Et₂O and removing the solvent via rotary evaporation. Off-white solid, yield: 85%, mp: 102-104° C., ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.78 (s, 9H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 2.20-2.40 (brm, 1H), 3.64 (s, 3H), 4.20-4.50 (brm, 1H), 4.37 (s, 2H), 7.21 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.50-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.74 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3500-2300brm, 3333m, 2957m, 2865m, 2230m, 1606m, 1592m, 1497w, 1477m, 1216s, 1158s, 1124s, 1032s, 1009s, 819s, 683s, MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 312 (M⁺-p-TsOH+H, 100).

[0044] Anal. Calcd. for C₂₅H₃₃N₅O₃S: C, 62.09; H, 6.88; N, 14.48.

[0045] Found: C, 59.00; H, 6.30; N, 13.18.

EXAMPLE 3

[0046] N(3)-(2,2-Dimethyl-propyl)-N(4)-(4-fluoro-benzyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0047] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure for Example 1, Step 5 except that 4-fluorobenzaldehyde was used in place of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde. Yellow solid, yield: 78%, mp: 32-39° C., ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.93 (s, 9H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 2.55 (s, 2H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.93 (s, 2H), 7.01 (m, 2H), 7.27 (m, 2H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3334m, 3272s, 2960m, 2918m, 2869m, 1891w, 1592m, 1508s, 1479s, 1462s, 1364s, 1303s, 1283s, 1224m, 1140m, 993m, 819s, 725s, MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 305 (M⁺H+, 100).

[0048] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₇H₂₅FN₄: C, 67.08; H, 8.28; N, 18.40.

[0049] Found: C, 66.58; H, 8.54; N, 18.07.

EXAMPLE 4

[0050] N(4)-(2,4-Dichloro-benzyl)-N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0051] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 5 except that 2,4-dichlorobenzaldehyde was used in place of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde and the final product was isolated as the tosylate salt by dissolving in 20 mL Et₂O and stirring with 1 equiv. of p-TsOH.H₂O for 1 h, and removing the solvent via rotary evaporation. Off-white solid, yield: 50%, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.84 (s, 9H), 1.25 (s, 1H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.56 (brs, 1H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 4.26 (s, 2H), 4.29 (s, 2H), 7.10-7.50 (m, 5H), 7.77 (s, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), IR , MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 355 (M⁺-p-TsOH, 100).

[0052] Anal. Calcd. for C₂₄H₃₂Cl₂N₄O₃S: C, 54.65; H, 6.1 1; N, 10.62.

[0053] Found: C, 56.95; H, 6.78; N, 9.02.

EXAMPLE 5

[0054] 4-{[5-(2,2-Dimethyl-butylamino)-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-ylamino]-methyl}-benzonitrile

[0055] Step 1N-(1,3-Dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-2,2-dimethyl-butyramide

[0056] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 1 except that 2,2-dimethylbutyroyl chloride was used in place of pivaloyl chloride. Brown oil, yield: 81%, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.91 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H), 1.25 (s, 6H), 1.63 (q, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 3.61 (s, 3H), 7.34 (brs, 1H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3293m, 2968s, 2938s, 2879w, 1667s, 1565s, 1511-1447brs, 1381m, 1285w, 1161w, 774m., MS (ES) ra/z (relative intensity): 210 (M++H, 100).

[0057] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₁H₁₉N₃O: C, 63.13; H, 9.15; N, 20.08.

[0058] Found: C, 61.83; H, 9.15; N, 18.54.

Step 2

[0059] (2,2-Dimethyl-pentyl)-(2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-amine

[0060] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 2. Yellow oil, yield: 91%, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.89 (t, 3H), 0.95 (s, 6H), 1.33 (q, 2H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 2.82 (d, 2H), 3.55 (s, 3H), 6 5.25 (s, 1H).

Step 3

[0061] (2,2-Dimethyl-butyl)-(2,5-dimethyl-4-nitroso-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-amine

[0062] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, step 3. Purple solid, yield: 50%, mp: 45-50° C., ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.89 (t, 3H), 0.97 (s, 6H), 1.37 (q, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 3.25 (d, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 2963s, 2878m, 1632s, 1550s, 1528w, 1477m, 1370m, 1356w, 1285w, 1228m, 1134m, 1080w, 967m, 655w, MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 225 (M+H⁺, 100).

[0063] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₁H₂₀N₄O: C, 58.90; H, 8.99; N, 24.98.

[0064] Found: C, 58.14; H, 8.75; N, 25.56.

Step4

[0065] N(3)-(2,2-Dimethyl-pentyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0066] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, step 4. Yellow oil, yield: 82%, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.89 (t, 3H), 0.95 (s, 6H), 1.33 (q, 2H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 2.78 (s, 2H), 3.65 (s, 3H).

Step 5

[0067] 4-{[5-(2,2-Dimethyl-butylamino)-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-ylamino]-methyl}-benzonitrile

[0068] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 5 except that 4-cyanobenzaldehyde was used in place of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde and N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-pentyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine was used in place of N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine. Yellow oil, yield: 19%, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.83 (t, 3H), 0.89 (s, 6H), 1.28 (q, 2H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 2.61 (s, 2H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 4.04 (s, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.61 (d, 2H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3340m, 2961s, 2877m, 2226s, 1588m, 1565m, 1537m, 1462m, 1378m, 1365m, 1296w, 821w, MS (ES) nm/z (relative intensity): 326 (M+H⁺, 100).

[0069] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₉H₂₇N₅: C, 70.12; H, 8.36; N, 21.52.

[0070] Found: C, 68.87; H, 8.49; N, 20.92.

EXAMPLE 6

[0071] N(4)-(2,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl -propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0072] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 5 except that 2,4-difluorobenzaldehyde was used in place of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde. Yellow gum, yield: 61%, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.96 (s, 9H), 2.07 (s, 3H), 2.62 (s, 2H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.97 (s, 2H), 6.77-6.86 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.24 (m, 1H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹):3300m,2960s,2870m, 1588m, 1531m, 1500s, 1433m, 1230m, 1176m, 1125m, MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 323 (M+H⁺, 100).

[0073] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₇H₂₄F₂N₄: C, 63.33; H, 7.50; N, 17.38.

[0074] Found: C, 62.61; H, 7.59; N, 17.14.

EXAMPLE 7

[0075] N(3)-(2,2-Dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-N(4)-pyridin-3-ylmethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0076] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 5 except that 3-pyridinecarboxaldehyde was used in place of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde. Yellow gum, yield: 39%, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.94 (s, 9H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 2.58 (s, 2H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 4.00 (s, 2H), 7.23(m, 1H), 7.60(m, 1H), 8.55(m, 2H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3289m, 3029w, 2953s, 2867m, 1589m, 1532w, 1478s, 1424m, 1394m, 1296m, 1138m, 1079m, 714m, MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 288 (M+H+, 100).

[0077] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₆H₂₅N₅: C, 66.87; H, 8.77; N, 24.37.

[0078] Found: C, 65.20; H, 8.98; N, 23.69.

EXAMPLE 8

[0079] N(3)-(2,2-Dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-N(4)-(2,4,6-trimethyl-benzyl)-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0080] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 1, Step 5 except that 2,4,6-trimethylbenzaldehyde was used in place of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde. Tan solid, yield: 47%, mp: 114-120° C., ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.91 (s, 9H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 6H), 2.46 (s, 2H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.96 (s, 2H), 6.84(s, 2H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3322 m, 3283s, 2951s, 2922m, 2878m, 2823w, 1583m, 1476s, 1452m, 1285s, 1196m, 851w, 757w, MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 329 (M+H⁺, 100).

[0081] Anal. Calcd. for C₂₀H₃₂N₄: C, 73.13; H, 9.82; N, 17.06.

[0082] Found: C, 73.12; H, 9.97; N, 17.05.

EXAMPLE 9

[0083] N(3)-(2,2-Dimethyl-butyl)-2,5-dimethyl-N(4)-pyridin-4-ylmethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0084] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 5, Step 5 except that 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde was used in place of 4-cyanobenzaldehyde. Purple oil, yield: 49%, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.83 (t, 3H), 0.89 (s, 6H), 1.29 (q, 2H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 2.61 (s, 2H), 2.81(br, 2H), 3.60 (s, 3H), 4.01 (s, 2H), 7.27 (d, 2H), 8.55(d, 2H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3296m, 2970s, 2877m, 1601s, 1462m, 1418m, 1378m, 1296m, 1138w, 993w, 799w, 405w, MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 302 (M+H⁺, 100).

[0085] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₇H₂₇N₅: C, 67.74; H. 9.03; N. 23.23.

[0086] Found: C, 66.82; H, 9.05; N, 23.53.

EXAMPLE 10

[0087] N(4)-Benzyl-N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-butyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0088] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 5, Step 5 except that benzaldehyde was used in place of 4-cyanobenzaldehyde. Yellow oil, yield: 66%, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.82 (t, 3H), 0.87 (s, 6H), 1.27 (q, 2H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 2.59 (s, 2H), 2.61(br, 2H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.96 (s, 2H), 7.30 (m, 5H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3297m, 3207w, 2970s, 2877m, 1587m, 1461s, 1377m, 1294m, 1136w, 1081w, 746m, 699s, MS (ES) mL/z (relative intensity): 301 (M+H⁺, 100).

[0089] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₈H₂₈N₄: C, 71.96; H, 9.39; N, 18.65.

[0090] Found: C, 71.02; H, 9.33; N, 17.96.

EXAMPLE 11

[0091] N(3)-(2,2-Dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-N(4)-phenyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0092] To 300 mg (2.55 mmol) of N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole -3,4-diamine and 20 mL toluene was added 155 mg (0.51 mmol) P(o-tolyl)₃, 343 mg (3.57 mmol) NaOt-Bu, 0.27 mL (400 mg, 2.55 mmol) of bromobenzene and 116 mg (0.128 mmol) of Pd₂dba₃, and the resulting purple mixture was heated to 100° C. After 5 h, the black reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and the filtrate was poured into 50 ml, brine. This aqueous mixture was washed with 3×50 mL EtOAc, and the combined organics were dried over MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated to a brown oil. Flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (20/1 to 8/1 to 4/1) gave 402 mg (1.48 mmol, a 58% yield) of the title compound as a light yellow gum. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.88 (s, 9H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 2.78 (brs, 2H), 2.90-3.12 (brs, 1H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 4.71 (brm, 1H), 6.55-6.60 (m, 2H), 6.72 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3390m, 3262w, 3174w, 3058w, 2955m, 1602s, 1544m, 1516m, 1497s, 1476m, 1394m, 1316s, 991w, 749m, MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 273 (M⁺+H, 100).

[0093] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₆H₂₄N₄: C, 70.55; H, 8.88; N, 20.57.

[0094] Found: C, 70.00; H, 9.20; N, 19.31.

EXAMPLE 12

[0095] N(4)-(4-Chloro-2-methyl-phenyl)-N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0096] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 11 except that bromobenzene was replaced with 2-chloro-5-bromotoluene. Orange gum, yield: 56%, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.87 (s, 9H), 1.99 (s, 3H), 2.77 (s, 2H), 3.02 (brs, 1H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 4.52 (s, 1H), 6.32 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 6.96 (dd, J=2.1, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3344w, 3282s, 2952s, 2868m, 1580m, 1503s, 1479s, 1460m, 1432m, 1308s, 1137m, 814w, MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 321 (M+, 100).

[0097] Anal. Calcd. for C₁₇H₂₅ClN₄: C, 63.64; H, 7.85; N, 17.46.

[0098] Found: C, 63.95; H, 7.81; N, 16.47.

EXAMPLE 13

[0099] 4-[5-(2,2-Dimethyl-propylamino)-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-ylamino]-benzonitrile

[0100] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 11 except that bromobenzene was replaced with 4-cyanobenzaldehye. Light-yellow solid, Yield 54%, mp: 131-134, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.87 (s, 9H), 2.01 (s, 3H), 2.79 (brs, 2H), 3.02 (brs, 1H), 3.66 (s, 3H), 5.21 (s, 1H), 6.58 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3360w, 2961m, 2222m, 1609s, 1515m, 1327w, 1169w, 828w, MS (ES) m/z(relative intensity): 296 (M⁺−H, 50).

EXAMPLE 14

[0101] N(4)-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine

[0102] The title compound was prepared according to the procedure of Example 11 except that bromobenzene was replaced with 4-bromochlorobenzene. Yellow gum, yield: 56%, ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 0.88 (s, 9H),1.80-2.15 (brs, 1H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 2.78 (s, 2H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 4.72 (brs, 1H), 6.49 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), IR (KBr, cm⁻¹): 3262m, 3087w, 2955s, 2867m, 1597s, 1491brs, 1394m, 1365m, 1312s, 1253m, 1207w, 1089w, 821m, MS (ES) m/z (relative intensity): 307 (M⁺+H, 100).

PHARMACOLOGY

[0103] The smooth muscle relaxing activity of the compounds of this invention was established in accordance with standard pharmaceutically accepted test procedures with representative compounds as follows:

[0104] Sprague-Dawley rats (150-200 g) are rendered unconscious by CO₂ asphyxiation and then euthanized by cervical dislocation. The bladder is removed into warm (37° C.) physiological salt solution (PSS) of the following composition (mM): NaCl, 118.4; KCI, 4.7; CaCl₂, 2.5; MgSO₄, 4.7; H₂O, 1.2; NaHCO₃, 24.9; KH₂PO₄, 1.2; glucose, 11.1; EDTA, 0.023; gassed with 95% O₂; 2/5% CO₂; pH 7.4. The bladder is opened and then cut into strips 1-2 mm in width and 7-10 nmm in length. The strips are subsequently suspended in a 10 mL tissue bath under an initial resting tension of 1.5 g. The strips are held in place by two surgical clips one of which is attached to a fixed hook while the other is attached to an isometric force transducer. The preparations, which usually exhibit small spontaneous contractions, are allowed to recover for a period of 1 hour prior to a challenge with 0.1 μM carbachol. The carbachol is then washed out and the tissue allowed to relax to its resting level of activity. Following a further 30 min period of recovery an additional 15 mM KCl are introduced into the tissue bath. This increase in KCl concentration results in a large increase in the amplitude of spontaneous contractions (and initiation of contractions in previously quiescent strips) superimposed upon a small increase in basal tone. Following stabilization of this enhanced level of contractile activity, incremental increases in the concentration of test compound or vehicle are introduced into the tissue bath. Contractile activity is measured for each compound or vehicle concentration during the last minute of a 30 minute challenge.

[0105] The isometric force developed by the bladder strips is measured using a concentration required to elicit 50% inhibition of pre-drug contractile activity (IC₅₀ concentration) and is calculated from this concentration-response curve. The maximum percentage inhibition of contractile activity evoked by a test compound is also recorded for concentrations of test compound less than or equal to 30 μM.

[0106] The results of this study are shown in Table I. TABLE I Inhibition of Contractions in Isolated Rat Bladder Strips Compound n IC₅₀ (μM) Example 1 2 4.9 Example 2 2 8.26 Example 3 2 11.45 Example 4 2 11.8 Example 5 1 12.6 Example 6 2 13.5 Example 7 1 15.4 Example 8 1 17.8 Example 9 2 19.2 Example 10 2 19.9 Example 11 4 4.3 Example 12 2 12.5 Example 13 2 17.9 Example 14 1 22.9 Example 15 2 10.7

[0107] In addition, we tested the ability of compounds to inhibit the hyperactivity of hypertrophied bladder (detrusor) smooth muscle in conscious female rats with hypertrophied bladders and thereby alleviate urinary incontinence in rats according to the following protocol described by Malmgren et al. (J. Urol. 1989, 142, 1134.):

[0108] Female Sprague-Dawley rats, ranging in weight from 190-210 g are used. Up to 25 animals are prepared each time. After development of bladder hypertrophy 4-8 animals are used per test.

[0109] Compounds are dissolved in PEG-200 and administered by gastric gavage or intravenously in a volume of 5 mL/kg. For primary screening all drugs are administered at the arbitrary dose of 10 mg/kg p.o. to groups of 4 rats.

[0110] The animals are anesthetized with halothane. Through a midline incision the bladder and urethra are exposed and a ligature of 4-0 silk is tied around the proximal urethra in the presence of a stainless steel rod (1 mm diameter) to produce a partial occlusion. The rod is then removed. The abdominal region is closed using surgical staples and each rat receives 150,000 units of bicillin C-R. The animals are allowed six weeks to develop sufficient bladder hypertrophy. After six weeks, the ligature is removed under halothane anesthesia and a catheter (PE 60) with a cuff is placed in the dome of the bladder and secured with a purse string suture. The catheter is tunneled under the skin and exteriorized through an opening in the back of the neck. The abdominal incision is sutured and the free end of the catheter sealed. In order to prevent infections the rats receive an injection of bicillin C-R (150000 units/rat). Two days later the animals are used in cystometrical evaluations, The animals are placed in the metabolic cages and the catheter is attached (using a “T” connector) to a Statham pressure transducer (Model P23Db) and to a Harvard infusion pump. A plastic beaker attached to a force displacement transducer (Grass FTO3) is placed under the rat's cage to collect and record urine volume. Animals are allowed 15-30 min to rest before the saline infusion (20 ml/hr for 20 minutes) is started for the first cystometry period. Two hours after the first cystometry period, the rats are dosed with the vehicle or the test compound and one hour later a second cystometry is performed. The following urodynamic variables are recorded:

[0111] Basal bladder pressure=the lowest bladder pressure during cystometry

[0112] Threshold pressure=bladder pressure immediately prior to rmicturition

[0113] Micturition volume=volume expelled

[0114] Micturition pressure=peak pressure during voiding

[0115] Spontaneous activity=mean amplitude of bladder pressure fluctuations during filling

[0116] Presentation of results:

[0117] The mean value of each variable is calculated before and after compound administration. For each compound the changes in the variables measured are compared to the values obtained before treatment and expressed as percent inhibition. The data are also subjected to 2-way analysis of variance to determine significant (p<0.05) changes in the variable measured.

[0118] Criteria for Activity:

[0119] The most characteristic finding in this rat model is spontaneous bladder contractions which develop during filling. The compounds which inhibit spontaneous contractions by at least 50% at 10 mg/kg p.o. or i.v. (arbitrary chosen dose) are considered active. The results of this study are shown in Table II. TABLE II Inhibition of Spontaneous Contractions In Vivo Compound # of animals dose mg/kg (p.o.) % Red (F)^(c) Example 1 4 10 mg/kg −36 ± 7

[0120] Hence, the compounds of this invention have a pronounced effect on smooth muscle contractility and are useful in the treatment of urinary incontinence, irritable bladder and bowel disease, asthma, hypertension, stroke, and similar diseases as mentioned above, which are amenable to treatment with potassium channel activating compounds by administration, orally parenterally, or by aspiration to a patient in need thereof.

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION

[0121] Compounds of this invention may be administered neat or with a pharmaceutical carrier to a patient in need thereof. The present invention accordingly provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound of this invention in combination or association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In particular, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises an effective amount of a compound of this invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical carrier may be solid or liquid.

[0122] Applicable solid carriers can include one or more substances which may also act as flavoring agents, lubricants, solubilizers, suspending agents, fillers, glidants, compression aids, binders or tablet-disintegrating agents or an encapsulating material. In powders, the carrier is a finely divided solid which is in admixture with the finely divided active ingredient. In tablets, the active ingredient is mixed with a carrier having the necessary compression properties n suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and size desired. The powders and tablets preferably contain up to 99% of the active ingredient. Suitable solid carriers include, for example, calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugars, lactose, dextrin, starch, gelatin, cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidine, low melting waxes and ion exchange resins.

[0123] Liquid carriers may be used in preparing solutions, suspensions, emulsions, syrups and elixirs. The active ingredient of this invention can be dissolved or suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier such as water, an organic solvent, a mixture of both or pharmaceutically acceptable oils or fat. The liquid carrier can contain other suitable pharmaceutical additives such a solubilizers, emulsifiers, buffers, preservatives, sweeteners, flavoring agents, suspending agents, thickening agents, colors, viscosity regulators, stabilizers or osmo-regulators. Suitable examples of liquid carriers for oral and parenteral administration include water (particularly containing additives as above, e.g., cellulose derivatives, preferable sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution), alcohols (including monohydric alcohols and polyhydric alcohols, e.g., glycols) and their derivatives, and oils (e.g., fractionated coconut oil and arachis oil). For parenteral administration the carrier can also be an oily ester such as ethyl oleate and isopropyl myristate. Sterile liquid carriers are used in sterile liquid form compositions for parenteral administration.

[0124] Liquid pharmaceutical compositions which are sterile solutions or suspensions can be utilized by, for example, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection. Sterile solutions can also be administered intravenously. For oral administration, either a liquid or solid composition form may be used.

[0125] The compositions are preferably adapted for oral administration. However, they may be adapted for other modes of administration, for example, parenteral administration for patient suffering from heart failure.

[0126] In order to obtain consistency of administration, it is preferred that a composition of the invention is in the form of a unit dose. Suitable unit dose forms include tablets, capsules and powders in sachets or vials. Such unit dose forms may contain from 0.1 to 100 mg of a compound of the invention and preferably from 2 to 50 mg. Still further preferred unit dosage forms contain 5 to 25 mg of a compound of the present invention. The compounds of the present invention can be administered orally at a dose range of about 0.01 to 100 mg/kg or preferably at a dose range of 0.1 to 10 mg/kg. Such compositions may be administered from 1 to 6 times a day, more usually from 1 to 4 times a day.

[0127] The present invention further provides a compound of the invention for use as an active therapeutic substance. Compounds of formula (I) are of particular use in the induction of smooth muscle relaxation. The present invention further provides a method of treating smooth muscle disorders in mammals including man, which comprises administering to the afflicted mammal an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A compound according to the formula

wherein: R¹ and R² are independently straight chain alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, branched alkyl of 3 to 6 carbons atoms, or cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbons atoms where R² may be optionally substituted by F, Cl, Br, I, OH, NH₂, cyano, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, COOH or COOC₁-C₆ alkyl; R³ is an aryl or heteroaryl, optionally substituted with I to 4 groups selected independently from straight chain C₁-C₆ alkyl, branched alkyl of 3 to 6 carbons, or a cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbons; C₁-C₆ alkoxy, cyano, F, Cl, Br, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, CO₂R¹, CONH₂, OH, NH₂, and NO₂; wherein aryl is phenyl, naphthalene, anthracene or phenanthrene and heteroaryl is furan, thiophene, pyrrole, imidazole, oxazole, thiazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, isothiazole, oxadiazole, triazole, thiadiazole, quinolizine, quinoline, isoquinoline, cinnoline, phthalazine, quinazoline, quinoxaline, naphthyridine, pterine, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, pyran and triazine; R⁴ is a straight chain alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbons atoms, a branched alkyl of 3 to 10 carbons, a cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbons, all of which may be optionally substituted by one or more F or Cl atoms; n is 0 or 1; all crystalline forms; an enantiomer or diastereomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein: R¹ and R² are independently straight chain alkyls of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or branched alkyls of 3 to 6 carbons atoms; R³ is an aryl or heteroaryl moiety, wherein aryl is defined as phenyl, or naphthalene, and heteroaryl is defined as pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, and triazine, each optionally substituted with 1 to 2 groups selected independently from C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, cyano, F, Cl, Br, C₁-C₆ alkylthio, CO₂R¹, CONH₂, OH, NH₂, and NO₂; n is 0 or 1; R⁴ is a straight chain alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbons atoms, or a branched alkyl of 3 to 6 carbons; and all crystalline forms or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein: R¹ and R² are independently straight chain alkyls of 1 to 3 carbon atoms; R³ is an phenyl or pyridine, optionally substituted with 0 to 2 groups, selected independently from C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, cyano, F, Cl, Br, C₁-C₆, alkylthio, CO₂R¹, CONH₂, OH, NH₂, and NO₂; R⁴ is a straight chain alkyl group of 3 to 6 carbons atoms, or a branched alkyl of 3 to 6 carbons; and all crystalline forms or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 which is selected from the group consisting of: N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-N(4)-pyridin4-ylmethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; 4-{[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propylamino)-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol4-ylamino]-methyl}-benzonitrile or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; N(3)-(2 ,2-dimethyl-propyl)-N(4)-(4-fluoro-benzyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; N(4)-(2,4-dichloro-benzyl)-N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; 4-{[5-(2,2-dimethyl-butylamino)-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol4-ylamino]-methyl}-benzonitrile or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; N(4)-(2,4-difluoro-benzyl)-N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-N(4)-pyridin-3-ylmethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-N(4)-(2,4,6-trimethyl-benzyl)-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-butyl)-2,5-dimethyl-N(4)-pyridin-4-ylmethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; N(4)-benzyl-N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-butyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-N(4)-phenyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; N(4)-(4-chloro-2-methyl-phenyl)-N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; 4-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-propylamino)-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol4-ylamino]-benzonitrile or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and N(4)-(4-chloro-phenyl)-N(3)-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazole-3,4-diamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 5. A method of treating disorders associated with spastic or excessive smooth muscle contractions of the urinary tract, the gastro-intestinal tract, or asthma or hair loss in a mammal which comprises administration to said mammal of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to claim
 1. 6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the disorder treated is urge urinary incontinence.
 7. The method according to claim 5 wherein the disorder treated is irritable bowel syndrome.
 8. A method of treating diseases in mammals amenable to treatment with potassium channel activators which comprises administration to such a mammal of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to claim
 1. 9. The method according to claim 8 wherein the disease treated is peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure, stroke, anxiety, cerebral anoxia or other neurodegenerdtive disorder.
 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to claim
 1. 11. A process for the preparation of a compound according to claim 1 which comprises reacting a compound of formula II

wherein: R¹ and R² are independently straight chain alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, branched alkyl of 3 to 6 carbons atoms, or cycloalkyl of 3 to 6 carbons atoms where R² may be optionally substituted by F, Cl, Br, I, OH, NH₂, cyano, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆alkylthio, COOH or COOC₁-C₆ alkyl; and R⁴ is a straight chain alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbons atoms, a branched alkyl of 3 to 10 carbons, a cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbons, all of which may be optionally substituted by one or more F or Cl atoms; with (a) a compound of formula III

wherein: R³ is an aryl or heteroaryl, optionally substituted with 1 to 4 groups selected independently from straight chain C₁-C₆ alkyl, branched alkyl of 3 to 6 carbons, or a cycloalkyl of 3 to 10 carbons; C₁-C₆ alkoxy, cyano, F, Cl, Br, Cl-C₆ alkylthio, CO₂R¹, CONH₂, OH, NH₂, and NO₂; wherein aryl is phenyl, naphthalene, anthracene or phenanthrene and heteroaryl is furan, thiophene, pyrrole, irnidazole, oxazole, thiazole, isoxazole, pyrazole, isothiazole, oxadiazole, triazole, thiadiazole, quinolizine, quinoline, isoquinoline, cinnoline, phthalazine, quinazoline, quinoxaline, naphthyridine, pterine, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, pyran and triazine, in a solvent such as benzene or toluene in the presence of molecular sieves at room temperature, followed by treatment with hydrogen under a pressure of 1 atmosphere in the presence of Pd/BaSO₄ at room temperature, in a polar solvent such as ethyl acetate to obtain a formula (1) compound where n is 1,

and R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined above; or (b), a compound of the formula R³—Br (IV) wherein R³ is as defined above; in a solvent such as benzene or toluene in the presence of Pd₂dba₃, P(o-tolyl)₃, and NaOt-Bu at 100° C. to obtain a formula (1) compound according to the formula

where n is 0 and R⁴ are as defined above. 